The EAC is awarding at least $200,000 in grants for mock election programs aimed at secondary school students. The grant program will award up to 35 grants of no less than $10,000 each.

How and When to Apply
Grant applications must be mailed or hand delivered to the EAC. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 21, 2008. For additional application information and instructions, click here.

Contact Information
Questions regarding the grants can be directed to Julie Ruder or Edgardo Cortés by calling (866) 747-1471 toll-free or by sending an e-mail to mockelections@eac.gov. 

Eligibility Requirements 
State election offices and nonprofit organizations with experience holding mock elections are eligible to apply.

Grant Restrictions 
Program funds cannot be used to support any partisan, voter registration or get-out-the-vote (GOTV) activities. 

The funds must be used to operate or supplement a simulated federal elections program for secondary school students held at least five days before the November 4, 2008, presidential election. Funding may also be used to support educational activities that complement mock elections including, but not limited to, the following:

• School forums and local cable call-in shows on policy issues addressed in the election
• Speeches and debates attended by students and parents that feature local candidates or their representatives
• Quiz team competitions, mock press conferences and speech writing competitions

Frequently Asked Questions 
For answers to frequently asked questions about the Mock Election Program, click here.

Background
The funds will be issued by the EAC’s Help America Vote Mock Election Program, authorized under the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 (Public Law 110-161). 

The purpose of the Mock Election Program is to promote voter participation in U.S. elections, expand community involvement in the elections process, and instill in students a lifelong interest in civics.